Guenther on board for 2 more years, will lead Hall renovation

Thursday

Rewarded with a two-year contract extension and a pay raise, Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther will now get busy on renovating Assembly Hall, said university chancellor Richard Herman.

Rewarded with a two-year contract extension and a pay raise, Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther will now get busy on renovating Assembly Hall, said university chancellor Richard Herman.
Guenther will be paid $600,000 per year through Jan. 1, 2011, after receiving a $75,000 raise. He will earn a $100,000 lump-sum payment if he completes the contract. His previous contract was set to expire Dec. 31.
"All one has to do is take a look at the record of accomplishment under Ron's tenure to appreciate the job he's done,'' Herman said. "Across the board, our scholar-athletes compete at the highest levels. During Ron's tenure, major improvements have been made to many of our athletic facilities, including the Atkins Tennis Center, the softball and baseball facilities, and the practice facilities for basketball and football.
"Ron is also leading the Memorial Stadium renovation project, to be completed this fall, and will provide his visionary leadership for our next major project, the renovation of Assembly Hall.''
The Hall has been the Illini's basketball home since 1963, and the school apparently answered the question whether it would renovate the arena or build a new facility.
In the past four years under Guenther's leadership, Illinois won six Big Ten Conference titles, and the football team made its first appearance in the Rose Bowl in 24 seasons.
The Memorial Stadium renovation project, scheduled for completion in August, is the largest building project under Guenther. The project will cost about $121 million.
John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. For more information, read Illini Talk blog at www.sj-r.com and www.pjstar.com.

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